Shall we start at the beginning? How'd you get started playing lacrosse?
My older brother started playing when he was 8 years old and so I started as soon as I could.
Did you play all your minor in Wallaceburg?
Yeah.
I know that just prior to junior eligibility you went to Six Nations to play lacrosse for the Rivermen. I read that you won a couple tournaments and qualified for the Dicks Sporting Goods championships in Florida. Did you go to that?
Yeah, we won the qualifiers in North Carolina.
What was that experience like?
It was unreal. It was cool.
So where did you play from 2015 to 2017?
I took that time off. I started working.
What made you decide to go back?
The coach last year talked to me. He said we were going to make a Founders run so...
I'm guessing you don't regret that.
No. It's been awesome. And look where I am now.
You had a highly contending team from what I've heard and in the wake of that I guess lost quite a lot of overage players?
Yeah It's been a rebuilding season for sure.
And I read a quote from coach Jamie Knight who said that you and Cousins did an unreal job teaching the younger players about Wallaceburg culture?
Yeah
Tell me about Wallaceburg culture.
It's great to play there. They have a ton of fans. It's like a family there. Everyone's real close. The team's close too. You don't have any hot shots. Everyone works hard.
So how many fans would you get out for a game do you think?
Last year we filled the rink every game
Do you find the culture quite a bit different here then?
No. Everyone works hard here too. I'd compare this group to last year's [Wallaceburg] team actually. Everyone's all-in and very close.
Could you imagine going back to the Wallaceburg organization in the future in any capacity?
Like a coach or something? Oh Yeah, I could see that.
Are you optimistic though that the young players there will develop?
Oh yeah one hundred per cent. That's why I stayed this year. To help them.
Do you think they can be a contender again in the next couple years?
It'll be a big rebuild. They're all real young right now. But by the time all those kids move up to 21 they'll be a real good team.
What would you say is the best component of your personal game?
Getting the draws. Getting the loosies. I'm not the biggest shooter but I can move the ball around.
Do you think you have a weak spot?
Yeah I mostly played defense in Wallaceburg and they put me on "O" near the end. That's not my best game.
So what's it like sitting in a dressing room with a bunch of guys who were your opponents so recently?
At first I was obviously - I didn't know what I was walking into but - I love it now. It's awesome. I fit right in right away. The first night they were all treating me like I'd been there all year.
And you got the Hammer award twice already?
Yeah that's pretty sweet. I like that.
Do you feel you've proved that you deserve to be here?
Yeah so far, but I have to keep working hard every time I get out there.
How'd this trade come together - from your perspective?
I was asked if I wanted to come to this team and I was all for it for sure. A final chance for a [championship] run.
How well do you think you're fitting in, in terms of your role on the floor?
Great. I love it.
Do you feel the coaching style is a lot different then it was in Wallaceburg?
Yeah it's a lot different.
What's the biggest difference as far as it affects you?
These guys are definitely a lot more calm. They talk one-on-one really well and that's helpful.
When you arrived here did you see any kind of hole in things and say to yourself that you could fill that gap?
No, not like that. I just came in trying to earn a spot rather that trying to find a spot.
So the role you've been given: is it one that uses your strengths to everyone's advantage?
Absolutely.
You're up 2-and-0 over Owen Sound. Do you think it will be over on Saturday?
Yeah. One hundred per cent.
And then what's the key to beating Elora?
Tough D. And this group has it for sure. I'd love to beat Elora. We got beat out by them last year.
Have you met our fans yet? We have two you know. Two whole fans.
Yeah, first game!
Oh were you on their hit list? For a photo op?
Oh yeah. Right out of the shower.
Well thanks for your cooperation. They're very important to us. Have you brought any new fans to us, with you?
A couple parents. That's about it.
Have they been making the trip for the games?
Oh yeah.
Now, Wallaceburg and Hamilton only played once this year...
Yeah and I didn't play in that game. I was hurt at the time. I watched it though.
It was one of those games where the home team got down early on the score board, and things got pretty dirty in that game. Do you think that's kind of a common recipe in junior lacrosse or not?
Sometimes. It depends on the team and obviously we had a young team and we had a lot of frustrating moments this year and a lot of good moments too. But that's what happens when there's a lot of frustration. I can't see that happening with Elora and Hamilton say, because they're two skilled teams. But we didn't have the skill there.
Does this happen because they get embarrassed in front of the hometown fans when they're down so far?
I think its more because you get a lot of intermediate players on developing teams and that's what intermediate is like. That's how they play. They're not junior caliber.
What are your next plans lacrosse-wise.
I might try to help out the red devils. Help coach them maybe.
What about playing lacrosse somewhere?
I haven't thought about that really.
What about life-wise? Plans?
Get my license for electrician. That's more what I'm focussed on right now.
Can you think of one moment: you're all time lacrosse highlight?
Yeah we were at a tournament in Orangeville, with Wallabeburg Pee Wees, I scored in double-overtime to win and it was big. We were just a C team. That was for sure my biggest moment.
What would you like your next highlight to be?
Winning the Founders. One hundred per cent!
I wish you lots of luck with that! Thanks very much.
Thank you.
